Rules of Rugby Scrum

In rugby, a scrum is a formation utilized to restart gameplay after a rules infringement or other stoppage. The non-offending team rolls the rugby ball into the scrum's huddle-like formation. Players then attempt to regain possession of the ball for their side by "hooking" or kicking the ball backwards to teammates with their feet, whereupon regular play resumes. Scrum rules are outlined by the International Rugby Board - the sports governing body - in the section of the rulebook called Law 20.

  1. Purposes for a Scrum

    • The referee of the game will call a stoppage in play and subsequent restart via scrum for one of six reasons. A scrum is called when the ball is fumbled towards the opposition's goal line, when a team is found guilty of a forward pass and when a player grounds the ball in their own end-zone. When a "line-out" throw is not straight, the non-offending side is given the option of a scrum. The non-offending side also has the option of a scrum when the ball goes out of play on a restart. The referee signal for a scrum is made when the official connects his fingertips above his head in a pointed fashion. The scrum takes place at the point on the field where the rule infraction took place.

    Formation

    • A scrum is comprised of two opposing groups eight interlocking players. The space between the front rows of each group is known as the "scrum tunnel." The "scrum half" is the player who rolls the ball into the scrum. Players line up in a formation of three-two-three. The first row is comprised of three players: a loose and tight head "prop," and a "hooker." The middle row of the scrum is comprised of two players or "locks." The back row of the scrum is comprised of two flankers separated by a "number eight."

    Scrum Guidelines

    • The 16 players in the scrum formation must stay in that formation until the ball leaves the scrum. Scrum halves are not allowed to "dive" or push forward into each other until the scrum half throws the ball into the scrum. The ball cannot be touched by the hands of any player in the scrum. If either side of a scrum collapses, it is reset and played again. Players not involved in the scrum must stay behind off-side lines.